I’VE GOT SUNSHINE ON A CLOUDY DAY

Dreaming of spring when the weather is cold is one of the most common psychological comforts we turn to in winter. Everyone would like to hop on a plane and spend the coldest months on a tropical island, but not everyone can afford a gypset way of life, so it’s easier to daydream while perusing upcoming clothing and accessory collections.

In one of these virtual-window-shopping sessions I learnt about the shoe collection designed by the London-based Orla Kiely (famous as the Queen of Prints) for Clarks. Take a look at the shapes, the colours, the details and admit all of them scream “spring!”. The inspiration has been clearly drawn from the 1960s – the super-high platforms, the oval or round-edged buckles, the (perforated) patent leather in vibrant colours, the chunky heels.

My favourite style is Milly, a flat slingback which features a lovely front strap and Kiely’s trademark leaf print on the sole. This mustard yellow shade is really modern, yet reminiscent of old times, but the same style is available in navy, white and red.

I usually don’t like emphasizing the style of an outfit with matching accessories, but this time such a choice seems just perfect. I’d love to wear some shoes of this collection with Modcloth retro dresses – the Candy Dandy sleeveless dress by Nishe with the Milly slingbacks in white; the bird-print Flutter You Waiting For? dress with the Marianne shoes in mustard yellow and white; the Destination, Dancing dress by Bernie Dexter with the Matilda sandals in red. A bright red lipstick, a spray of old-school perfume and you’re ready to face next spring with grace and style.